Help I want to buy a Camcorder?

Question

Ok I have been looking for months and I want to buy a camcorder but not one I will be disappointed with. So whay do you guys recommend? I know I want one that records to a hard drive, it has to be good at filming indoors and at night would be nice. I also would like it to take good stills and have a good zoom. Any ideas?? I want to have fun with it and hope to have fun different activities included with the software. Any help is appreciated. I can spend up to $800.00

Answer 1

My advice, don't get a hard drive camera.

Answer 2

Hi there.. couldn't help but notice you are looking for a great price on a camcorder. I am a business owner in this type of retail of quality sony products. If you are actually interested, decide what type you may want and get in touch with me. I get straight from the manufacturer and am able to make you a great deal, better than a retail store could. They inflate the price.  [e-mail]

Answer 3

The Canon HG10 is probably the best HD-camcorder that records to a hard disk drive (HDD) - this is currently on the market:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Can...

It has the best video quality in low night conditions compared to other HD-HDD camcorders.  Be aware though that most manufacturer already announced the new camcorder models to be available soon.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Pan...

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Thr...

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Can...

Answer 4

Why do you want to get a hard drive camera? There are a couple of things to selecting a video camera - video quality is obviously an important aspect.

If you want best available video quality, then you have no choice but to get a miniDV tape based camcorder. the "DV" in miniDV is "digital video" and in theis format, does not compress as much as hard drive, flash memory or DVD based camcorders do.

In the world of video, compression = lost data = reduced quality. The MPEG2 (standard definition video) and AVCHD (high definition video ) used by hard drive, flash memory or DVD based camcorders make them the reduced video quality choice. To "rank the different storage methods, miniDV provides best video quality. Hard drive and higher-end flash menory are next - and DVD based camcorders are so bad they should be recalled by the manufacturers and the people who bough them should get their money refunded.

With your budget, I would suggest the Sony DCR-HC96. You will probably want to get an extra rechargeable battery (the batter in the box lasts only about 20 minutes and no camcorder comes with a good battery in the box). It has good indoor and outdoor capture characteristics, decent zoom and will provide you with best available video quality using miniDV tape.

Also, you can attach an external mic with one of these

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/47...

and if you tape any loud bands, there is a volume control switch that will let you get decent audio (not the icky muddy noise when there is no audio control.

Plus, you really want to get and use a tripod when you can... it will help make your videos look better for other people watching.

Oh... and your computer will need a firewire port - they are cheap and easy to add if your computer has available PCI slots - or, if you use a laptop, an available PCMCIA slot... and a firewire cable...

If you spend the whole $800 on the camera, you won't be able to get this other stuff that will help YOU  and your video look good when you are shooting video...

Answer 5

Hi there, i actually own a business that can get you a good deal on a camcorder. I recommend the sony DVD handycam w/ LCD display for $449. I have one myself, it is great, and believe me from someone who sells these for a living. We are partners with quixtar and circuit city. If you are interested let me know.

guitarqwert@yahoo

chris

Answer 6

Sony HDR-SR5 is the Camcorder you must get.